What is abscess ?

An abscess is a collection of pus, usually caused by a bacterial infection. If the bacteria invade the healthy tissue, there will be an infection. Some cells die and disintegrate, leaving a cavity that contains tissues and cells that are infected.

White blood cells which is the body's defense against infection, moving into the cavity and after ingesting the bacteria, white blood cells will die. White blood cells that die thus form pus, which fills the cavity.

Pus as a result of this, the surrounding tissue will be encouraged.
Network eventually grew around the abscess and the abscess wall: this is the body's mechanism to prevent the spread of further infection. If an abscess broke in, then the infection can spread in the body or under the skin surface, depending on the location of the abscess.


CAUSE
A bacterial infection can cause abscesses in several ways:

bacteria enter the skin due to injuries stemming from non-sterile needle punctures
bacteria spread from an infection in another part of the body
bacteria that normally live inside the human body and not cause interference, sometimes can lead to abscess formation.

Opportunity formation of an abscess will increase if:

there is dirt or foreign objects in the area where the occurrence of infection
infected areas have poor blood flow
there is an immune system disorder.

Abscesses can form in all parts of the body, including lung, mouth, rectum and muscles. Abscesses are often found in the skin or just under the skin, especially if it arises in the face.


SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of an abscess depends on the location and its effect on the function of an organ or nerve.

Symptoms can include:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Palpable warmth
- Swelling
- Redness
- Fever.

An abscess formed just under the skin usually appears as a lump. If the abscess will burst, then the central area will be more white bumps on it because of skin thinning. An abscess in the body, before the first symptoms often grow to be larger. Abscesses in the more likely to spread infection throughout the body.


Diagnosis
Abscesses in the skin or under the skin very easily recognizable, while the abscess in the often difficult to find. In patients with abscesses, usually blood tests showed increased white blood cell count.

To determine the size and location of the abscess, can be carried out X-ray examination, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI.


TREATMENT
An abscess often get better without treatment, the abscess ruptured by itself and remove its contents. Sometimes abscesses are slowly disappearing because the body destroys the infection and absorb the remaining infection. Abscess does not rupture and can leave a hard bump.

To relieve pain and speed healing, the abscess can be punctured and the contents removed. An abscess had no blood flow, so antibiotics are usually futile. Antibiotics may be given after an abscess dries and this is done to prevent recurrence. Antibiotics are also given if the abscess spread infection to other body parts.